Faculty

RICHARD SPENCER, DIRECTOR
Guitar, Jazz Studies, CHILDREN’S PROGRAM, Ensembles
Undergraduate studies at Berklee College of Music and the
University of Texas. B.M. in jazz performance from University of North Texas, 1977; M.M.E. in jazz performance from UNT, 1979; M.B.A from University of Texas, Austin, 1996. Major guitar teachers include: Jack Petersen, John Abercrombie, John X. Reed, Larry Coryell, Mick Goodrick, and Pat Martino. Recipient of jazz study fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts. Performing experience includes gigs with Bob Berg, Wallace Roney, Ralph Moore, Tiger Okoshi, and others. Toured and recorded with Chico Hamilton. Former faculty positions at Southwestern University, Georgetown, TX, Eastfield and Cedar Valley Colleges in Dallas, TX and Concordia University Texas in Austin, TX.

PAULA SPENCER, DIRECTOR
VOICE
B.M.E. in voice and clarinet from Arkansas State University, 1975, M.M. in vocal performance from University of North Texas, 1977, and Ph.D. course work in higher education administration from UNT. Master classes with: John Wustman, Phyllis Curtin, Jurgen Jurgens, and Robert Shaw. Participated in seminars on Heinrich Schutz, Schluctern, Germany. Performing experience includes: numerous opera roles, soloist with the ASU male chorus and the UNT madrigals; soloist for various churches; Tupelo Symphony; Boston Pops. Additional performing and recording experience with jazz and show bands in Texas and New England area. Accompanying vocalist with Ray Kent and Andrew Culverwell. Faculty positions have included University of North Texas, Denton, TX, Southwestern University, Georgetown, TX, Christ for the Nations Institute, Dallas, TX and Austin Community College, Austin, TX.

ANDRE HAYWARD, VP OF RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
LOWER BRASS, JAZZ IMPROVISATION, ENSEMBLES
Andre Hayward is an extremely gifted trombonist with the sound and clarity reminiscent of the late J.J. Johnson. His gospel-tinged approach is refreshing and will warm the hearts of anyone he comes in contact with. He landed his first engagement with trumpeter Roy Hargrove for a European tour after being heard at a jam session during a festival while playing with the Texas Southern University Jazz Ensemble. After Hargrove, Hayward performed and recorded with singer/bandleader Betty Carter for five years in her acclaimed “Jazz Ahead” program. Other acclaimed performers include Joe Williams, Slide Hampton, John Lewis, Mingus Dynasty Big Band, Gerald Wilson, Kirk Whalum, Jimmy Heath, The Duke Ellington Orchestra and Illinois Jacquet’s Big Band. His most recent performance credits are The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, The San Francisco Jazz Collective, and The Clayton – Hamilton Jazz Orchestra.

In 2003, he received first place and a $20,000 scholarship at the International Thelonious Monk Trombone Competition in Washington, DC. Hayward is also an educator who has conducted numerous clinics and workshops in various parts of the US and overseas. Hayward has served as jazz trombone professor at New School of Jazz & Contemporary Music, New York University, New England Conservatory, Michigan State University, University of Texas – Butler School of Music, and University of North Texas.

TOM BRECHTLEIN
MASTERCLASSES, DRUMSET, ENSEMBLES

Tom Brechtlein grew up in Long Island, New York and gravitated to playing drums after listening to the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, The Who, Cream and the Jimi Hendrix Experience. When entering high school, his attention turned to big band jazz, and he became attracted to the music of the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra, Maynard Ferguson and Woody Herman’s Thundering Herd. His investigations of jazz led him to Dave Brubeck’s drummer Joe Morello and then to modern jazz giants like Elvin Jones, Tony Williams, Jack DeJohnette, Billy Cobham, Lenny White and Alphonse Mouzon as well as legends like Max Roach, Philly Joe Jones and Roy Haynes.

As Tom says, “Like a lot of young musicians in the early 70s, we were listening to the new jazz groups of the day. These bands were John McLaughlin and the Mahavishnu Orchestra, Return to Forever, Weather Report, Larry Coryell and the Eleventh House, among others. When I was 18 years old I saw Chick Corea and Return to Forever on PBS Television; and I remember sitting there thinking – I’m going to play with this guy someday.”

Two years later, in 1978, Tom auditioned for Corea and got the gig. He performed & recorded with Corea till 1983. Their musical relationship has continued off and on throughout the years and as recently as 2004-2006. Other artists Tom has played with are Wayne Shorter, Al Di Meola, Joe Farrell, Jean Luc Ponty, Robben Ford, Rickie Lee Jones, Kenny Loggins, Eric Johnson, and The Manhattan Transfer.

LAURA INGLES, VP OF PARTNER MANAGEMENT
VOICE
Laura has been singing and recording professionally since she was 11 years old. From solo classical performances and musicals, to recording and working in various studios in Florida, Laura has a decade of experience as a background singer for various blues, Jazz, Rock and RnB/Hip Hop groups during her formative years. Laura has also sang with local Austin icons like Dr. James Polk, Brian Andrew Lee, Alan Haynes, Keith Slack and many other greats. She also studied with Dr. Watkins at ACC here in Austin for three years. In addition to her musical expertise, Laura has over 12 years of extensive experience building and maintaining relationships with enterprise level clients at companies such as Electronic Arts, SailPoint, Marin Software, Nexxlinx and Yodle.

EVAN NICHOLSON, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

Acoustic & Electric Bass, Ensembles
B.M in Performance at the University of Memphis (TN), 2010; M.A. in Jazz Studies at the University of Memphis (TN), 2012. Private studies with Tim Goodwin, Chip Henderson, John Chiego. Recipient of full educational scholarship for undergraduate and graduate studies at University of Memphis. Notable jazz collaborations with Mundell Lowe, Slide Hampton, Antonio Hart, and Kye Palmer. Currently an active Austin bassist, with engagements at The Continental Club, Stubbs, Lamberts, White Horse, and others. Extensive experience as an orchestra member for numerous off-Broadway musicals and studio recordings. Extensive teaching experience includes: jazz combos as a graduate assistant at University of Memphis; jazz camp instructor, and private instructor.

DUECE BENNETT
GUITAR, ENSEMBLES, IMPROVISATION
B.M. in guitar from Berklee College of Music, Magna Cum Laude, 2012. Early music studies on piano began at age 4, and began guitar study at age 11. Received piano and vocal awards in Ohio’s Solo and Ensemble Competition. Expert transcription and performance work in Joe Pass’s solo guitar arrangements. Extensive performing experience in Ohio, Boston, and Austin, including SXSW 2012, in a variety of funk, rock, blues, and jazz styles. A highly experienced teacher who is able to provide teaching insight to all levels of students, while drawing on guitar, piano, and vocal applications.

CAT CLEMONS
GUITAR, ENSEMBLES
B.M. from Texas State, 2015. He played in their top Jazz Big Band Ensemble along with Jazz Combo One. Currently playing as a sideman around Austin with various artist such as: Hot Texas Swing Band, Elsa Cross, Rosie and the Ramblers, Bob Appel, and Morris Nelms. Currently teaching group guitar and private lessons ranging from beginners to advanced studies.

Daniel has been a part of many festivals in the greater South East region of Texas. Such appearances included the Corpus Christi Jazz Festival, the Jazz Alive Festival in San Antonio, the SHSU Bill Watrous Jazz Festival, and the Temple College Jazz Festival. His teachers include Jeff Hellmer, Wayne Salzmann, John Mills, John Fremgen, Aric Schneller, and John Lane. Daniel is an endorsing artist for Aquarian Drum Heads, Innovative Percussion Sticks, and the A&F Drum Company.

SARAH JANE HARGISFLUTE, SUZUKI FLUTE
Sarah Jane Hargis creates lessons that are full of fun, loving
encouragement, games, group performance & having playful discovery while learning the joys of music. Sarah Jane is a passionate & inspired ﬂutist, teacher & Suzuki method educator in Austin, TX. She has been teaching as a university professor/lecturer, a private instructor and a guest lecturer in public schools across the U.S. for over 17 years, and is currently a flute professor at St. Edward’s University. Ms. Hargis has a Masters of Music in Flute Performance from the University of New Mexico, a Bachelor’s of Music Education from Eastern Kentucky University and 7 years training in Suzuki Method teaching from around the world. Her teachers include Adam Kunzel, Alexa Still, Valerie Potter, George Pope, Toshio Takahashi and many more.

MIKE HARRISGUITAR, Bass, VIOLIN, VIOLA, MANDOLIN
B.M. in theory from University of North Texas, 1978, Magna Cum Laude; M.M. in guitar performance from UNT, 1983; Master classes with Oscar Ghiglia, Eliot Fisk, Paul O’dette, Robert Guthrie and others. Multi-instrumentalist (guitar, bass, violin, viola, mandolin) with extensive performing experience in diverse styles, including classical, rock, country, and jazz, and has worked extensively with Arthur Brown, Jimmy Carl Black, and Kim Fowley. Over twenty years of teaching experience, including five years at University of North Texas as a teaching fellow and adjunct faculty member. Instructor positions at St. Stephen’s, Childbloom, Austin Guitar School, Three Muses School, and Austin Piano & Strings.

DAVE LEE
TRUMPET, JAZZ STUDIES, ENSEMBLES
B.S. in ministries & music from Howard Payne University. Graduate studies at Episcopal Theological Seminary. Ensemble director of the NAJO, Mainstream Jazz Quintet, Rhythm Congress Band, and the Ken Ragsdale Orchestra. Worship leader and choir director for the Sanctuary, and additional music ministry directing experience in the Seattle and Austin areas. Extensive private trumpet teaching experience and ensemble directing, ranging from small groups to large jazz orchestras, in a diverse range of musical styles.

EVAN NICHOLSON, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
(see directors’ biographies at the beginning of this section)

JOHN REED (aka JOHN X. REED)
GUITAR, ENSEMBLES
Early music studies on guitar and fiddle at age 8 with his father and grandfather on a farm in eastern New Mexico. Attended Texas Tech University, where he embarked on what would become long term musical associations with Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Joe Ely, Butch Hancock, Jesse “Guitar” Taylor and Ponty Bone. Extensive performing experience throughout the United States and Europe. Recorded and toured with many artists, including: Freda and the Firedogs, Doug Sahm, Roky Erickson, Marcia Ball, Lucinda Williams, James Polk, Kimmie Rhodes, Alvin Crow, Kenneth Threadgill, The Lucky Tomblin Band, the Texana Dames, and Denny Freeman, Carnegie Hall performance with Doug Sahm. Over 30 years teaching experience, and has been a major teacher and influence on a number of excellent guitarists.

PEGGY STERNPIANO, ENSEMBLES, JAZZ STUDIES
Undergraduate studies at Eastman School of Music. B.M. in Performance; M.M. from New England Conservatory. World-renowned solo artist along with in the early 1980s, playing in an octet with Priester Cole; she also worked in R&B groups and music during this decade. In the early 1990s she worked often with Konitz, played with Juris, others, in addition to leading her own band, with whom she recorded several albums. founder and Director of the Wall Street Jazz Festival, (“…where all the leaders are women”), held each August in Kingston, NY, Jazz Chorus, Blue Belles Youth Choir. In summers past, she has taught at Jazz Workshop, and Jazz Camp West as well as Homer, Alaska Jazz Choir.

NIKITA STOROJEVPRIVATE VOCAL STUDIES & COACHINGNikita Storojev is a Russian bass vocalist, who after receiving his degree in philosophy, entered the Tchaikovsky Conservatory in Moscow. Upon winning the prestigious Tchaikovsky Competition, he became a principal soloist at the Bolshoi Theater and the Moscow Philharmonic Society. He speaks Russian, French, English, German, Spanish, and Italian. Mr. Storojev has performed in the world’s major opera houses, concert halls and appeared in international festivals in Vienna, Paris, London, Milan, New York, San Francisco, Florence, Munich, Berlin, etc. His vast repertoire today consists of over 50 operatic roles and more than 300 classical songs. He has twenty-five commercial CDs and five DVDs, performed and recorded under the direction of conductors such as Mstislav Rostropovich, Vladimir Ashkenazy, Sir John Pritchard, Claudio Abbado, Neeme Jarvi, John Nelson, Marius Jansons, Gennady Rozhdestvenski etc., and with singers such as Placido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti.

Mr. Storojev has taught many students in several countries, and is currently is an Associate Professor of Voice and Opera at the University of Texas Butler School of Music. Eighteen of his students have won international singing competitions in Europe. In the last four years, while teaching at The University of Texas, his students have won national competitions, participated in young artist programs, and begun professional careers. As a teacher, Mr. Storojev has also presented master classes around the world in Japan, Taiwan, Russia, Germany, France, Italy, and Mexico, as well as in the United States. In addition to his professorship at UT, Mr. Storojev has opened his Austin vocal teaching studio to the community for students who desire to perform at their highest vocal level possible. Recent engagements for Mr. Storojev include the roles of the Police-Sergeant and the Old Prisoner in Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk with Christian Badea and the Baltimore Opera; a program of excerpts from Boris Godunov and Prince Igor with Peter Bay and the Austin Symphony Orchestra; more performances of Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk, conducted by Donald Runnicles at the San Francisco Opera; a performance of the role of King Dodon in Le Coq d’Or with the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia. An extensive list of additional recent engagements for Mr. Storojev, and additional information, can be found at the following link,http://www.music.utexas.edu/directory/details.aspx?id=10

TATIANA STOROZHEVAPiano, accompanist and vocal coachTatiana Storozheva is a professional pianist, accompanist and vocal coach. She was born and raised in Yekaterinburg, Russia and attended a special music school for gifted children. She received her Master’s Degree from the Mussorgsky Conservatory in Yekaterinburg in Piano Performance, Opera Coach, Piano Teacher and Collaborative Piano. Mrs. Storozheva served as Head Coach at the Yekaterinburg Opera for 22 years. She also accompanied soloists in recital, served as soloist of the Yekaterinburg Philharmonia Society, and was the Artistic Director, Conductor and Pianist for Musical Theater, Yekaterinburg. For her work in opera, Mrs. Storozheva was named an Honored Artist of Russia. She also received the Best Accompanist award at the Mussorgsky competition. Her repertoire consists of numerous operas and over 300 hundred songs in Russian, Italian, German, French and English.

Mrs. Storozheva has also made several recordings with internationally recognized Russian singers such Nikita Storojev and Valentin Zacharov. During the course of her career she has
prepared and accompanied singers in national and international vocal competitions such as the Glinka Competition and the Rimsky-Korsakov Competition in Russia and the Belvedere in
Vienna. She has participated in many festivals in Germany, France, Belgium and Hungary and served as coach, assisting Mstislav Rostropovich, in a production of Shostakovich’s Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk at the Teatro Real in Madrid, Spain. Additional collaborative engagements include Baltimore Opera, Austin Lyric Opera, Moscow, Bard Festival in New York, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, Warsaw Philharmonic Concert Hall, Poland, and Washington, D.C. Tatiana is a vocal coach and accompanist for University of Texas Butler School of Music students.

JACOB WISEGUITAR, Jazz Studies
Undergraduate studies at the University of Texas’ Plan II Honors Program receiving a B.A in jazz performance in 2009; M.F.A. degree in Jazz Studies at the University of North Texas 2011. At UNT, he was a Teaching Fellow, directing the Super 400 guitar ensemble and teaching private lessons. As a member of the renowned One O’Clock Lab Band, he performed with Lyle Mays and John Mosca, the leader of the Village Vanguard Orchestra. In 2011, he earned his master’s degree, and released his debut album, “Jacob Wise Trio”, which features 9 original compositions, and has received positive notices at Allaboutjazz.com and Vintage Guitar Magazine. From 2011 to 2015, Jacob was a guitarist in the show band for Princess Cruises, traveling the world and playing a wide variety of music ranging from jazz, rock, Motown, to oldies and Broadway. Teaching guitar ensembles, Classes, and private instruction at New School since Fall 2015.

EARLY CHILDHOOD MUSIC INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES­­­­­­­­­In partnership with Armstrong Community Music School

KERRI ATWOODEARLY CHILDHOOD MUSIC
Kerri Atwood received her BFA in Theater from Southern Methodist University and then promptly moved to Austin to be part of the Live Music Capital of the World! In the past seventeen years, while being a public school teacher and also a nanny, Kerri has started a pop punk band that traveled the world, performed in the highly acclaimed musical by Austin’s Rude Mechs “I’ve Never Been So Happy”, sung 1930’s music in a cabaret that toured throughout Texas, voiced the singing wildflower for the City of Austin’s “Grow Green” water conservation commercial, and currently sings and writes music with Austin’s space dance band, Pong.

MARILYN ERMANEARLY CHILDHOOD MUSIC
Marilyn Erman recently completed her Bachelor’s of Music in Music Therapy at the University of Iowa. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, she began her music studies at the age of four with
Suzuki, classical piano, and later guitar. In high school, she moved to Austin with her family where her interest in music continued. She even interned at the Armstrong Community Music School where she assisted the Little Drummers, Big Voices class. After high school, she decided to study voice at The University of Iowa, where she became interested in music therapy. But the cold winters drove her back to sunny Austin for her internship and now she is a practicing music therapist. She also teaches Music Together and Guitar for Grownups at the Armstrong School and is happy to be able to bring the joy of music to young minds.

PAUL SCHLICHTINGEARLY CHILDHOOD MUSIC
Paul Schlichting holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Texas State University where he majored in music education and trombone performance. Prior to that, he studied music composition at West Texas A&M University. He performed as a trombonist with Hill Country Brass and as a drummer with Joe West and the Sinners, Asylum Street Spankers, Giant City, The Jazz Pharaohs, The Hollywood Review, and others. He directed middle school band in Dripping Springs and spent nine years teaching elementary school music in Austin ISD.